Narrator:

Have you ever met anyone that reminded you of Jesus? Come meet Dorcas.

(Knocking on door)

Man:

Who is it?

Dorcas:

It's Dorcas. I heard that your son was sick, so I've brought some medicine and some soup. I hope it helps.

Man:

Oh, Dorcas, please come in. Thank you so much for your help. We are so worried about my son. We don't have enough money to get medicine, but now you've brought it to us. Thank you so much!

Dorcas:

I'm glad I can help you. I will pray for healing for your son.

Man:

Come, stay for supper with us so that we may show our thanks to you.

Dorcas:

I would love to stay, but I have several other errands to do today.

Man:

Whom else are you helping today?

Dorcas:

Oh, I just have some clothes and food to deliver to some people who could really use it.

Man:

We thank God for you every day, Dorcas. Jesus talked about loving our neighbors, and you really show us how to do it.

Dorcas:

Thanks. I'm just doing my best to serve God.

(Sound of door closing)

Narrator:

A few days later a little girl went to see Dorcas.

(Knocking on door)

Woman:

Yes, may I help you?

Girl:

May I please speak with Dorcas? I want to thank her for bringing food to my family. I want to let her know that my parents are thanking God for her generosity. May I see her please?

Woman:

Oh dear. I'm so sorry. Haven't you heard?

Girl:

Heard what?

Woman:

Dorcas is very sick. We are gathered here at her house to pray for her. We are all very worried about her.

Girl:

May I pray with you, please?

Woman:

Certainly, come in. The doctor is with her now.

(Sounds of people praying, talking)

(Door opens, doctor enters room)

Woman:

Ssshhh. It's the doctor. Doctor, how is Dorcas?

Doctor:

I'm sorry to tell you this. Dorcas has just died. I will need some people to wash her body and prepare her for burial.

(Sounds of people crying)

Girl:

How could Dorcas be dead? She helped my family so many times. She was so kind.

Woman:

I will miss Dorcas so much. She was always doing good and helping the poor people in our town.

Man:

Wait, I have heard that Peter, one of Jesus' disciples is nearby in the town of Lydda. I think we should send someone to ask him to come. Perhaps he could help.

(WALLA: group agrees)

Narrator:

So, the Christian friends of Dorcas sent two men to Peter and they begged Peter to come with them.

Peter:

Yes, I have heard of Dorcas and her many kind acts. Of course, I will come with you.

(Music transition)

(Sounds of footsteps, knocking at the door)

Woman:

Who is it?

Peter:

It's Peter. I have come to see Dorcas.

(Door opens)

Woman:

Peter, thank you so much for coming.

Peter:

Please take me to see Dorcas.

(Sounds of footsteps and crying)

Woman:

See, Peter, so many people are very sad because Dorcas has died. Look at all of these clothes that she made for the poor of our town. She was such a wonderful Christian woman.

Narrator:

Peter was overwhelmed with sadness and asked all the people to leave the room so that he could pray.

(Sounds of quiet crying, footsteps leaving, and door closing)

Peter:

Dear Father, I am praying to you because I know that you are the giver of everything, including life. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, I ask you, Father, to bring Dorcas back to the people of this town. Amen.

Dorcas, get up.

(Sounds of rustling bedclothes)

Dorcas:

Who are you? Where am I?

Peter:

Give me your hand, Dorcas, and let me help you up. I am Peter, and I am very glad to meet you. I've heard so many wonderful things about you.

Dorcas:

I just try to serve the Lord as you do, Peter.

Peter:

Everyone, come in. Dorcas is alive.

(Sounds of door opening and people walking in excitedly)

(WALLA: people excited, disbelief)

Woman:

Oh, Dorcas, you are alive! Thank you, Lord, for healing Dorcas.

Man:

Dorcas is alive! Let us all pray together to thank the Lord for this wonderful miracle.

(WALLA: group praying)

Narrator:

Dorcas was someone special because she loved and helped others just like Jesus did. Is there someone you can help today?

If you want to know more about the early Christians, read the book of Acts in the New Testament part of your Bible.